Nappy Changing

Changing a Baby’s Nappy

Changing your baby is a skill at which you will become more competent after a few days with your newborn as you will change their nappy frequently (at least six to nine times a day in the first few weeks).

You can change your baby on any safe surface covered with a changing mat or towel. It is important that you have all your requirements close by as you must never leave a baby unattended on any elevated surface.

Urine is sterile however once a baby has a bowel motion the bacteria in the faeces reacts with the stale urine on the skin, this produces ammonia. This can irritate the skin causing nappy rash to occur.

It is most important to cleanse your baby thoroughly at each nappy change. Wipe from front to back, pat dry, close the nappy and fasten the adhesive tape.

Avoid chemical wipes as these could irritate your baby’s skin.

To change your newborn baby you will need the following: ​

Clean Nappy

Cotton wool pads or balls and a small bowl of warm water

A disposable nappy bag for a soiled nappy (used plastic bags can be used for this also)

Nappy wipes

Nappy cream

When changing a newborn baby's nappy, use cotton wool pads or balls, dampened with water and clean your young baby’s genital area, wiping from front to back. Place the clean nappy under your baby’s bottom and pat dry with a soft clean cloth, i.e. muslin towel, soft paper tissue or cotton wool pad.

Apply a thin layer of cream to protect your baby’s tender skin from nappy rash. Secure nappy by fastening the adhesive tape. The nappy should be snug but not tight.

An older baby can sleep all night in the same nappy once they are sleeping five to seven hours without waking to be feed, at this stage it is unusual for a baby to soil their nappy. It is important once this becomes a regular occurrence to change your baby first thing in the morning when he wakes up, cleansing the skin thoroughly.

There are a wide variety of different brands of nappies on the market from disposable, reusable and a variety of swim nappies some of which are washable. If you are interested in reusable nappies go to www.thenappylady.co.uk and you will find all you’ll want to know about reusable nappies.

You will require a selection of the products below. ​

Nappy creams

Nappy’s

Nappy bags – for disposing of soiled nappies

Changing mat

Cotton wool pads or balls

Baby wipes (usually used for an older baby). If you do need to use wipes use water wipes

A small bowl, or top and tailing basin for holding warm water to wash your baby’s genitalia

A nappy bin or bucket to dispose of soiled nappies

A portable changing mat, for when you are out and about. These sometimes come in your chosen baby changing bag

Nappy Creams Listed below are some popular creams. Click on the picture to find out more on the product or to purchase.

Child’s Farm Nappy Cream

Avenoo Baby Cream

Burt’s Bee’s nappy cream

Bepathen

This cream is an easy to apply every day cream which protects against the causes of nappy rash.

Nature babycare bottom cream

Waitrose baby bottom butter

Weleda Calendula Change Cream

Metanium Heals Nappy Rash

Beaming Baby

Sudocream

This cream has been an effective ally for 85 years and heals nappy rash rapidly

Cetaphil Baby Diaper Rash Relief Cream

Babies Nappies There are a wide variety of brands, styles and sizes of babies napkins on the market. The first size is usually tiny baby, or size one, then newborn and they are sized according to the weight of the baby. For this reason it is suggested to only buy 1 packet of the tiny size, until you are aware of your baby’s birth weight and several packets of newborn, as you will definitely use these even if only for a short period of time.

Baby nappies can be purchased from, chemists, supermarkets, corner stores and online in bulk, which can be the cheapest way of buying them as long as you do not over order. You will require approximately 50 nappies per week for a newborn as they are frequently changed in the first few weeks of your little ones life.

Some well known brands of baby nappies are as follows. Click on the picture to find out more about the nappy and purchase.

Pampers

Huggies

Earth’s Best

Nature Baby Naty

Lidl Toujours

Asda - Little Angels

Aldi Mamia

Swimming Nappy: Huggies® Little Swimmers

All of the above can be researched on the Which website for accurate information on absorbency, popular usage and how they are rated.

Nappy Bins Nappy Bins are a modern convenience and particularly useful if you live in a house with several floors.

It is difficult enough carrying a baby up and down stairs without having to carry a dirty nappy every time you change your baby or during the night when your family may sleep on one of the upper floors.

It is however not essential to buy a nappy bin, a bucket with a lid or a waste paper basket lined with a plastic bag is also just as convenient as long as it is emptied on a regular basis.

A selection of nappy bins is listed below:

Tommy Tippee

Korbell

Handle Pails

Angelcare

Lidded

Chicco

You will also require a packet of the first size napkins to pack in your hospital bag.

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